is a sensation. The dynamite cast, the magnetic chemistry between fan-favorite detectives, and the endless lineup of gripping criminal cases have created an obsession among fans.
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And many of those fans would agree the quippy one-liners — especially dialogue born from ‘s — make for top-tier television.
Anyone who has faced the challenges Benson has conquered would garner wisdom over the years. Whether she’s connecting with victims or joking with her fellow investigators, Benson is a font of knowledge. And her diligent approach to cases has led to dozens, if not hundreds, of iconic quotes that ring true throughout the decades.
From her hilarious clap-backs to her heart-wrenching takes on recovery, Benson always knows what to say. Below, relive some of her best lines
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Olivia Benson’s Most Hilarious Clapbacks
Benson deals with quite a lot bull on the daily — and such is life in at the SVU which, over the years has gifted Benson with a thick skin. Benson always has the perfect response when criminals start hurling insults her way, and it’s likely hilarious.
“It’s ‘Detective,’ not ‘Miss.’ Save your lawyering for someone who gives a damn.”
Benson is no stranger to needless sexism, and is frequently bombarded by ignorant insults while interrogating potential suspects. But she doesn’t allow anyone to talk down to her and certainly doesn’t tolerate disrespect surrounding her Detective status.
After a pair of college basketball players became murder suspects in Season 1, Episode 6, (“Sophomore Jinx”), she was quick to settle the score when a patronizing defense attorney tried to make light of her investigation.
Prejudice can be dangerous for special victims, and in Season 21, Episode 11 (“She Paints For Vengeance”), Benson humorously voiced her annoyance with a sexist patrol officer who claimed an assault case wasn’t “real” enough to investigate.
“Considering I’ve been up 24 hours? I’m not gonna lie. I’m a stale sandwich of a human being.”
Calling Benson overworked is the understatement of the century. Benson always shows up for special victims, and that demanded some hefty overtime in Season 24, Episode 22 (“All Pain Is One Malady”).
Benson was tasked with locating the culprit responsible for running a horrendous revenge-for-hire website, leading to an all-nighter of a stakeout. The beacon of relatability, Benson isn’t alone in having the occasional stale sandwich day.
Olivia Benson’s Most Badass Quotes
Benson isn’t just the Captain of Manhattan’s elite SVU, she’s also a bona fide professional within the precinct.
One doesn’t climb up the ranks of the NYPD without learning a thing or two. Benson is confident and endlessly capable, making her a precious cornerstone of the SVU’s success. And she isn’t afraid to make that known.
“I trust my instincts. If I don’t have that, I shouldn’t be here.”
Every so often an investigation will bring Benson a grim sense of déjà vu, which was the case in Season 13, Episode 17 (“Justice Denied”) when she recognized the signature of a rapist who she believed she arrested 8 years before.
But was it the original culprit or a copycat? Benson felt it was the O.G. criminal, meaning she’d arrested the wrong man all those years ago.
A woman of infinite integrity, Benson was willing to defend her instincts, which proved correct.
“There are two things you need to know about me. First, I like an open and free exchange of ideas. And second, I’m usually right.”
In Season 17, Episode 8 (“Melancholy Pursuit”), Benson’s search for a teenage girl quickly turned into a murder investigation, leading the SVU to rely on DNA evidence to find the culprit. However, no amount of forensics could compare to Benson’s third eye within an investigation. Benson will listen to the research, but ultimately, ‘s mother knows best.
Olivia Benson’s Most Empowering Quotes
Benson is a feminist icon and an empathetic force of nature. Her tenacious defense of survivors sparks conversations about how special victims are treated and what recovery and healing look like after these horrific events happen.
